would like comments on NCL's new free style cruising.We will be on the Majesty Oct.22nd and don't think we'll like this policy

We did the NCL sky when they started the "free style" cruising...in many ways it's to your advantage...if your in a port and don't want to rush back for your "seating" you can.. If you don't want to dress for formal nights..there is a dining room on the Majesty that will be open for you...Actually, we are going on the Majesty for the 8th time on 9/10... Actually on the Majesty there are two major dining rooms and the Bistro.. Perhaps you don't like your seatmates and would like to change or have an intimate dinner for two..it's up to you.. Keep an open mind....it's to your benefit.. the chefs in the kitchen won't be as harried trying to feed half the ship at once....if you don't like it...make comments on your card...

I am going on the Sky Sept. 24. I'll try to keep an open mind. I hope the service is good in the dining room. On other cruises, the open seating service isn't very good for breakfast and lunch, but at least you can usually get good service at night from your own waiter at your own table. That's part of the charm of cruising.

<BR>I have experienced the free-style seating at dinner on a few upscale cruise lines. <BR> <BR>I do not particularly care for it. <BR> <BR>I believe quite a bit of the charm of cruising is meeting new friends at dinner. I continue to be in touch with many new friends ....some old now.... going back 20 years. <BR> <BR>Paul

We sailed the R1 last year and the open seating had its good and bad points. We enjoyed eating whenever we pleased and it was a treat to meet someone new every night. Service was always excellent. However, and unexpectedly, we missed getting to know our waiters. To me there is no accounting for it, but nevertheless . . . . .

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DO LIKE PAUL!!... Susie. on the Sky, make sure you get to the Bistro a few nights, it's romantic, and a special place...remember to order the chocolate fondue, warm goat cheese salad (if you like that)....the service is beyond reproach... Wish I were going with you...again